Reflections from Raja Ampat

Here's a few selected shots from my recent maiden voyage to Raja Ampat in January. Conditions with visibility was a little more challenging for wide angle than what I had previously experienced in Komodo. However I found the macro variety to be a lot more diverse if not unique to the Indo-pacific region. One such find was a species of green frogfish which I havent seen before in my travels.

Been in Raja Ampat in april, I was surprized with the fish mass and even though vizibility can be challenging for photo, as well as particles (lots of post production despeckling work) I was totally amazed. I found the area much more rewarding than Komodo.

I didn't go much for macro except at the Passage, where I'd probably would have been more comfortable with wide angle and also for 2 housereef dives where I spotted almost immediately 3 species I had never seen including -at last- a blue ring octopus I had been chasing for 5 years. So you're right, more wide angle but very interesting macro opportunities.

I also like the first two. I am inches away from booking a 2014 dec/jan trip to Sorido resort. It's a bit pricy, too. Trying to work it out. What operation did you dive with? Also, was the bad viz typical for that time of year or were there other circumstances?

Joe

Joe BelangerAuthor, Catalina Island - All you Need to Knowwww.californiaunderwater.comwww.visitingcatalina.com